PE bags for the Podlings

Tom and Lily started back at school today, so there has been much 'back to school' prep over the last few days. The time had finally come to replace their PE bags and in true leave-it-to-the-last-minute style I decided on Saturday that I wanted to make them myself. Thankfully, I found an excellent online tutorial here and I duly picked up some cord whilst at John Lewis on Saturday afternoon.

I wanted them both to have their initial on their bag and since we hardly ever call Lily by her proper name, I gave her an L instead of the E for Elizabeth. I'm not sure she'd even know it was hers if I put an E on it! We don't need to worry about Tom, as Thomas starts with a 'T' anyway!

I made both fully lined bags yesterday, ready to start school this morning. I always did work better under pressure! I didn't do Tom's until after the Podlings were in bed and didn't finish it until after ten, so the pictures of his bag aren't quite as clear as the ones I took of Lily's in daylight. I'm really pleased with how well they turned out, thanks primarily to the clarity of the tutorial I found. If you are looking to make a PE bag for someone you love, I can heartily recommend it.

A close-up of the monogram. I love the dainty floral print I used for this bag.

Tom wanted a blue bag and I was happy to oblige since I had this fabric in my stash. I lined it with red gingham.

Tom loves ladybirds, so I simply had to include them in the design. I've had this ladybird print felt for while and have been looking for something to use it on. It was perfect for Tom's monogram. Likewise, the ladybird buttons have been in my cupboard for an age waiting for the perfect project. Tom was over the moon with his bag and told me that he never wants to stop using it.

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